The W114 and W115 models were enormously successful for Mercedes-Benz, and their sales in nine years of production between 1967 and 1976 almost equalled the total of all Mercedes passenger models built in the 23 years between 1945 and the time of their introduction in 1968.
There were many reasons for this success, but perhaps the most important was that Mercedes expanded the range to include a simply vast amount of variants including four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines, four-cylinder diesels; saloons, coupes and long-wheelbase models. With around 200 photographs, this book features the story of the design and development of the W114 and W115 ranges.
It gives full technical specifications, including paint and interior trim choices; includes a chapter on the special US variants; gives production tables and model type codes and explores the Experimental Safety Vehicles developed from these cars. Finally, there is a chapter on buying and owning a 114- or 115-series Mercedes.
About the Author
James Taylor has been writing professionally about cars since the late 1970s, and his interests embrace a wide range of older cars of all makes and nationalities, as well as classic buses, lorries and military vehicles. He has always considered Mercedes-Benz one of his favourite car manufacturers and has written several books on the company's products. James has written more than 130 books in all, and among them have been several definitive one-make or one-model titles, including a large number for Crowood.
Industry Reviews
This book does a very good job of bring these cars back into the spotlight. Written by the ever dependable James Taylor, it delivers his usual recipe of thorough and clearly set out history plus lots of technical details. Illustrated with numerous photos from the Mercedes-Benz archive and other sources, this is a great source of information for anyone interested in these highly competent and subtly elegant cars. -- Chris Bass * Mercedes-Benz Club Gazette *
The prolific James Taylor throws the spotlight on the often-overlooked W114/5s in a release that definitely lives up to its The complete story billing.
The absorbing extras, such as the review of conversions from Binz and Crayford as well as many other less-well-known firms, including a rather
aesthetically challenged turquoise double-cab pick-up from Argentina, that make this book seem very good value for money. * Classic & Sports Car *
The Crowood Press has been on a roll with excellent books covering Mercedes-Benz model histories. Their latest issue covering the W114/W115 sedans and coupes from late 1960s through the mid-1970s continues their tradition of strong work. James Taylor has been writing about cars since the 1970s and it really shows in this work. Careful research and thorough coverage are evident throughout the book. * Star magazine, the Mercedes Benz Club of America *
